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Technics SA-80 Speakers?

M

mikelaw

New Member
Just bought a Technics SA-80 as my first home stereo amp ever. I have been getting into vinyl and decided I needed an old receiver and speakers to go with my records.

I also bought Inifinity reference two speakers to go with the receiver and although they sound good with the SA-80 I am wondering your thoughts as to what the best pair of speakers would be for this head?

Thanks in advance.
 
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First things first:
Check the amp's alignment which is DC offset and bias, if you have the tools and the service manual. This is going to at least make sure the amp won't immediately smoke your speakers.
Speakers are a matter of how you like the sound, but there are considerations: How loud are you listening? Loud, you need to consider the ability of the amp to drive the speaker. The speaker can have characteristics that make them unsuitable to your amp at loud levels.
 
From what I've found, it's hard to adjust the DC offset on these Technics "SA" series units. Hopefully everything checks out ok. I've got the SA-200 which is just a slightly more powerful and upscale version of this. Those Infinity speakers might be a little overkill for the SA-80 as it is only rated at 15 WPC RMS.
 
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Can u recommend a good speaker for these or a model number for the oem technics speakers that may have sold with these in the 70s?
 
Unfortunately, I don't know of any specific models that would match up with this receiver really well. Something with a wattage rating of under 50 RMS which these days would probably be a small bookshelf speaker. If the Infinity speakers sound good with it, there should be no problem using them. You just won't be using the Infinity's to their fullest.
 
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To pick some only slightly random vintage examples, a pair of ads L-420, or AVID 100 or 102, or Polk Audio Monitor Series models 5 or 7 family members, would all go nicely with this decidedly low-end/entry level and low powered little receiver. There are many other good vintage and current production choices - but that's where I'd be goin' with an SA-80.

In terms of Technics loudspeakers of similar vintage, consider perhaps the Technics SB-4500(A). This is a modest, simple, "time aligned" two way ported system with cone drivers, good sensitivity, and decent sound. A pair wandered through here a year or two ago; they sounded better than I was expecting.

http://www.vintagetechnics.co.uk/loudspeakers/sb4500a.htm

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They say you can use virtually any speakers with any amp if you use caution and common sense. If you drive the speakers to the point of hearing distortion, you could be damaging the speakers. If it sounds good, chances are you are safe.
 
IMO, Sa-80 is the bottleneck here.

I have a pair of Infinity Reference One's (smaller version of the Two's). They sound great as nearfield monitors. Yours should have more bass extension due to their bigger size. Though not as acclaimed as Infinity's Emit tweeters, the Polycell tweeters on these are crystal clear and imaging is wonderful.

If I were you, I would keep the speakers and be on the lookout for an amp or receiver with more power. You will get better sound (esp more bass) if you have more power to drive them. The recommended power for these speakers is 15-100W so you are at the bare minimum of that spectrum. More specs here: http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=171318. Make sure the surrounds are ok. If they are getting crumbly or have holes in them, its time to refoam. Its not hard to do, and there is tons of information on how to do it here and on the interwebs at large.

Of course once you upgrade your amp, then you will have to find an upgrade for your speakers, and so on and so forth... :yes: Welcome to the rabbit hole.
 
Match SA-80 with SB-x10's

Dear MikeLaw:

In 1979, my dad made me the proud owner of a new matched set of Technics components, recommended by StereoWest in Omaha, NE

Receiver - SA-80
Turntable - SB-3
Speakers - SB-x10

These speakers were great! And the cabinets had the same wood as the case of the SA-80.

http://web.archive.org/web/20101202005008/http://vintagetechnics.info/loudspeakers/sbx10.htm

Sorry I ever agreed to part with the set after a split with a long-time girlfriend. I have replaced the Turntable , and searching for a good condition SA-80 and SB-x10s - plan to use in the office!
 
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